Static Rock Splitter Using Shape Memory Alloy as Pressure Source.

A new kind of static rock splitter has been developed taking advantage of TiNi shape memory alloy which attains a maximum recovery force of about 600MPa. The splitter consists of compressively prestrained TiNi rods and a pair of two-layered wedge type platens of steel, and requires no accessory equipments other than heating apparatus. To examine the performance of the splitter, theoretical analysis for the crack initiation and laboratory test using rocklike materials have been performed. It is confirmed that the splitter is not lacking in terms of performance. The breaking time is extremely shorter than those of conventional breaking processes.